AUF Achieves NECHE Accreditation and Expands Mission-Driven Academic Opportunities
The American University of Florence (AUF) has reached a significant milestone in its institutional development with the granting of initial accreditation status by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), one of the oldest and most respected accrediting bodies in the United States.
As of 2026, AUF is among only a small number of internationally located institutions holding NECHE accreditation, reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence, integrity, and student success. In its evaluation, NECHE highlighted AUF’s strong community-focused mission, entrepreneurial leadership, engaged governance, dedicated faculty and staff, and sustained commitment to meaningful student outcomes.
A Distinctive Approach to Study Abroad
Building on its mission of experiential learning and community engagement, AUF continues to develop innovative academic pathways that connect students directly with the culture, people, and institutions of Florence.
Beginning in 2027, AUF will launch a new Undergraduate Study Abroad Program designed around a four-day academic week and a mandatory experiential learning component. The program emphasizes cultural integration, community engagement, and hands-on learning opportunities that move beyond the traditional study abroad experience. Students will actively engage with Florentine life while pursuing rigorous academic coursework.
Expanding Access Through Specialized Programs
AUF’s academic portfolio continues to serve a wide range of student populations through customized educational experiences.
The institution’s Pre-College Summer Programs provide high school students with the opportunity to earn college credit in Italy through fully supervised 3- and 6-week summer sessions. Students benefit from residential support, daily activities, cultural programming, and specialized academic tracks in areas such as technology, business, and health sciences.
For partner institutions, AUF also offers Freshmen Programs tailored to support first-year students during key transition periods. These programs can be customized around general education curricula, major-specific pathways, or blended academic models.
TuttoToscana: Florence and New York Connected Through Experiential Learning
One of AUF’s most distinctive offerings continues to be the TuttoToscana Study Away Program, which combines academic study in Florence with professional event production experience in New York City.
Hosted through Apicius International School of Hospitality, the program allows students to spend three weeks studying in Florence before traveling to New York, where they collaborate with organizations such as the James Beard Foundation to plan and execute real-world events. Students may specialize in either Special Event and Wine Management or Food Management and Production for Special Events, gaining valuable international and professional experience in both cities.
Growing Research and Academic Engagement
AUF is also expanding its role as a center for scholarly dialogue and interdisciplinary research.
Following the success of its inaugural academic conference, The Renaissance of Material Media, held in collaboration with SUNY Stony Brook in December 2025, the university has announced two major upcoming events. The next annual conference will take place on December 4, 2026, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the 1966 Florence flood. In January 2027, AUF will partner with Fairfield University to host a conference focused on health and nutrition, bringing together experts from nursing, public health, psychology, medicine, and related disciplines.
Looking Ahead
With NECHE accreditation, innovative academic programming, expanded experiential learning opportunities, and a growing commitment to research and community engagement, AUF continues to strengthen its position as a distinctive American institution in Italy. By combining academic rigor with meaningful engagement in local and international communities, AUF offers students educational experiences that extend far beyond the traditional classroom and prepare them to become globally aware and socially engaged leaders.